Future Snap, a Next-generation Photo Booth

August 19, 2009 The world's first mobile phone movie service to utilize robotic technology

Famed Osaka restaurant Cuidaore in Dotonbori closed in July 2008, but its signature character Cuidaore Taro is alive and well, having taken up residence in the area's new Nakaza Cuidaore Building as of July 19, 2009.

The Nakaza Cuidaore Building was developed as part of an effort to revitalize Dotonbori, an area known in years past for its lively theatrical entertainment. Internationally prominent designer Yasumichi Morita of Glamorous Co., Ltd., gave the building an unconventional look, including a distinctive exterior that evokes an enormous piece of origami and a pervasive Cuidaore Taro motif in features such as its entranceway chandelier.


• Nakaza Cuidaore Building
http://nakaza-cuidaore.com/english.html

Future Snap

Future Snap ™, the world's first entertainment movie service to utilize robotic technology, was launched at this new symbol of Dotonbori. The service creates a composite video in real time by superimposing Osaka sightseeing symbols such as Cuidaore Taro on footage of the user taken by a robot. The finished video is then sent to the user's mobile phone. The service, which costs 500 yen per video, works as follows:

1.The user puts on a pair of Future Eyeglasses and sits on a chair facing the robot.
2.The robot gives a signal and begins filming.
3.An original video is generated in real time by superimposing animations of ''takoyaki'' (a dumpling made of octopus), Cuidaore Taro, and other representative Osaka fare on footage of the user (about 20 seconds of video are captured).
4.Once the user pays, a card bearing a QR code is printed out.
5.The user downloads the video to his or her mobile phone from the QR code.

This service makes use of a new technology known as augmented reality (AR) that can composite and display virtual imagery in the form of electronic information with scenes from the real world to create a compelling - and extremely realistic - synthesized image. The technology allows the creation of amusing videos, for example showing "takoyaki" bursting from the user′s mouth or perched atop the user′s head.

• You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=777hvf9IBp0

According to Masayoshi Ishiko at Gyrowalk, Inc., which commercialized the service and designed the content, the eyeglasses worn by the user are used by the computer to pinpoint the position at which the virtual content should be rendered. This approach makes it possible to accurately measure the angle and position of the head and mouth, even if the user tilts his or her head or looks to the side.

Another Future Snap feature is the “secondary” fun: users can upload their videos to video sharing sites or send them to friends attached to e-mails. There's no shortage of video content being developed using mobile phones, but this service is unique, not only for its use of robotic and AR technology, but also for its ability to generate content that users can continue to enjoy after the filming is finished.

The system is expected to see use in a variety of applications in the entertainment field.

Content is currently limited to Cuidaore Taro and “takoyaki”, but the company plans to add two new designs about every three months.

Future Snap inquiries:

Masayoshi Ishiko
Gyrowalk, Inc.
Phone: 06-6444-8808
Fax: 06-6444-2002